What is Spyware? Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect.
What is Adware? Ad-Aware is the world's most trusted Internet protection, and is rated #1 in malware detection by independent testing organization, Virus Bulletin.
Statistics about Spyware:
81% of internet users say they have stopped opening email attachments unless they are sure these documents are safe.
48% of internet users say they have stopped visiting particular Web sites that they fear might deposit unwanted programs on their computers.
25% of internet users say they have stopped downloading music or video files from peer-to-peer networks to avoid getting unwanted software programs on their computers.
18% of internet users say they have started using a different Web browser to avoid software intrusions.
How does a computer become infected (Trojan Horse, Bonzi Buddy, Stealware, etc.)? There are literally dozens of different ways a computer can become infected with spyware, viruses, and other malware. Below is a list of the most common ways a computer can contract these infections listed in the order we believe are most commonly done.
How can I tell if a computer is infected with spyware?
If your computer starts to behave strangely, you might have spyware or other unwanted software installed on your computer.
I see pop-up advertisements all the time.
My settings have changed and I can't change them back to the way they were.
My web browser contains additional components that I don't remember downloading.
My computer seems sluggish.
10 ways to prevent a Spyware infection:
· install a quality antivirus program · install real-time anti- spyware program · keep anti-malware applications current · perform daily scans · disable autorun · disable image previews in Outlook · don’t click on email links or attachments · surf smart · use hardware-based firewall · Deploy DNS protection
How can I fix my computer if it is infected?
• Run a complete system assessment • Detect, isolate, and remove viruses • Detect, isolate, and remove spyware • Perform Deep registry cleaning • Clean-up Hard Drive regularly • Delete temporary files • Apply Windows Updates • Apply Security Patches • Run anti-virus definition updates • Run anti-spyware definition Updates • Optimize your computer • Run System Defrag • Depending on your computer usage, run routine PC Management at least on a monthly basis.
What is Spyware's effect on safety?
Spyware is designed to cater to a wide array of uses including keeping track of the user’s internet surfing habits, interfering with the web browser activity and executing unwanted programs or software. Apart from this a spyware can read information from cookies, install other spywares, change the browser and homepage settings and relay the information to its host site.
What is the effect of Spyware on privacy and freedom of speech?
To protect your personal information and keep it private, you can install an antispyware program. Spyware can be used not only for gathering marketing information but can carry viruses and other malicious programs.
How do you protect you Facebook account, your cell phone, your iPod/iPad/iTouch from spam?
Hardware encryption is faster and offers better protection. Whether you choose to go with software or hardware, having some form of security for your portable device is essential.
Things That You Should Know about Spyware
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect.
What is Adware?
Ad-Aware is the world's most trusted Internet protection, and is rated #1 in malware detection by independent testing organization, Virus Bulletin.
Statistics about Spyware:
How does a computer become infected (Trojan Horse, Bonzi Buddy, Stealware, etc.)?
There are literally dozens of different ways a computer can become infected with spyware, viruses, and other malware. Below is a list of the most common ways a computer can contract these infections listed in the order we believe are most commonly done.
How can I tell if a computer is infected with spyware?
If your computer starts to behave strangely, you might have spyware or other unwanted software installed on your computer.
10 ways to prevent a Spyware infection:
· install a quality antivirus program· install real-time anti- spyware program
· keep anti-malware applications current
· perform daily scans
· disable autorun
· disable image previews in Outlook
· don’t click on email links or attachments
· surf smart
· use hardware-based firewall
· Deploy DNS protection
How can I fix my computer if it is infected?
• Run a complete system assessment• Detect, isolate, and remove viruses
• Detect, isolate, and remove spyware
• Perform Deep registry cleaning
• Clean-up Hard Drive regularly
• Delete temporary files
• Apply Windows Updates
• Apply Security Patches
• Run anti-virus definition updates
• Run anti-spyware definition Updates
• Optimize your computer
• Run System Defrag
• Depending on your computer usage, run routine PC Management at least on a monthly basis.
What is Spyware's effect on safety?
Spyware is designed to cater to a wide array of uses including keeping track of the user’s internet surfing habits, interfering with the web browser activity and executing unwanted programs or software. Apart from this a spyware can read information from cookies, install other spywares, change the browser and homepage settings and relay the information to its host site.What is the effect of Spyware on privacy and freedom of speech?
To protect your personal information and keep it private, you can install an antispyware program. Spyware can be used not only for gathering marketing information but can carry viruses and other malicious programs.How do you protect you Facebook account, your cell phone, your iPod/iPad/iTouch from spam?
Hardware encryption is faster and offers better protection. Whether you choose to go with software or hardware, having some form of security for your portable device is essential.Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-ways-to-avoid-viruses-and-spyware/813
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/How_to_Fix_a_Computer_Infected_With_Viruses_Spyware.html
http://www.securityworldnews.com/2010/05/17/harmful-effects-of-spyware/
http://www.webartistdesigns.com/cyberspace-regulation.html
http://www.spamlaws.com/portable-device-lockdown.html
http://www.laplink.com/pcdefense/
http://www.4tworld.com/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=22109&start=20
http://www.lavasoft.com/
http://www.anownsite.com/articles/anti-spyware.shtml
http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-indicators.aspx
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001045.htm